Under The Angsana Tree: PM Lee's NDR speech 2018

Refreshing key policies, with goodies aplenty

Mr Lee used the NDR platform to robustly flag his government’s every intention to plan ahead even as the international system under which Singapore has relied upon and thrived under comes under growing threat

PM Lee Hsien Loong’s National Day Rally (NDR) speech on Sunday (Aug 19) had one overarching message: That Singapore can continue to be an exceptional country, & one where the human spirit can flourish. Beyond that, with goodies aplenty, the NDR speech will fuel talk that an early surprise general election may be on the cards.

In the main, he sought to assure Singaporeans that his government is on top of bread-and-butter concerns such as costs of living, healthcare affordability, & public housing as an asset.

Furthermore, notwithstanding the looming dark clouds on the international stage, there is much to be optimistic about the future with trust & confidence between the government & Singaporeans.

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Lim Tean Yesterday at 16:00

The National Day Rally speech left Singaporeans bemused and disappointed at the lack lustre vision of their current government. No solutions to the growing inequality here in Singapore. Nothing to protect jobs or instruments to address our stagnant wage growth or measures to cool the incessant rise in the cost of living. Merely a drab uninspiring speech promoting yet another package and the promise to do up our flats in 20 years! In this video opposition politician Lim Tean responds to the speech and shares his views.

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New Merdeka Generation Package to help S'poreans born in 1950s with healthcare needs

The Merdeka Generation Package will cover areas such as outpatient subsidies, Medisave account top-ups, MediShield Life premium subsidies and payouts for long-term care

Just as Singaporeans born in 1949 or earlier received the Pioneer Generation Package to cope with healthcare & other expenses, baby boomers born in the 1950s will receive help from the Government.

Called the Merdeka Generation Package, it will cover areas such as outpatient subsidies, Medisave account top-ups, MediShield Life premium subsidies & payouts for long-term care, announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 19).

Details will be announced next year.

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PM Lee cries while introducing “Merdeka Generation Package” for those born in the 1950s

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong broke down while speaking about the sacrifices pioneer Singaporeans have made as he introduced the “Merdeka Generation Package” during the National Day Rally 2018 that is ongoing now.

Speaking about how Singaporeans endured so many struggles as Singapore fought for independence and after it was liberated, PM Lee kept repeating “Merdeka!” before he played a video of his father Lee Kuan Yew rallying the people in 1959, telling them that the nation is beginning a new chapter in its history.

“Most memorable is his call to action, captured in this clip. You’ve seen it, you’ve heard it but it’s still electrifying,” PM Lee said before he played a clip of his father leading the people with the word “Merdeka!” – the Malay word for liberation.

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PM Lee visibly moved when he recalled older S’poreans’ contributions during early years of independence

And this was the part that PM Lee almost broke down

At this year’s 2018 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong paid tribute to the generation of Singaporeans who were born in the 1950s and promised to come up with a package to help them with their medical expenses. PM Lee calls this group the Merdeka Generation.

PM Lee, who is one of the 500,000 members of this special generation, recalled the posters and banners that festooned the streets.

He said that the generation was stirred by the rallying cry “Merdeka!”

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Why Singapore’s Hsien Loong broke down last Sunday

SINGAPORE Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s usually stoic demeanour cracked on Sunday as he addressed the city-state during its annual National Day Rally.

The trigger? It happened as Lee unveiled the “Merdeka Generation Package”, a special medical assistance initiative for those born in the 1950s (baby boomers) or those in the “Merdeka generation”. Merdeka means “independence” in English.

As he discussed the initiative, Lee detailed the struggles Singaporeans faced during the fight for independence and their efforts towards nation-building when the country was finally liberated. He broke down into tears as he touched on the challenges faces by the Merdeka Generation who saw their parents, the pioneer generation, toil for the country.

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Lee Hsien Loong replay videos of his dead father

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong replayed videos of his deceased father’s election rallies at his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (Aug 19). Prime Minister addressed his father Lee Kuan Yew as “the founding father” and cried (again) during his speech on the Merdeka Generation.

Lee Hsien Loong said his father, himself and his generation of those born in the 1950s suffered hardships during Singapore’s early nationhood:

“The Merdeka Generation lived through the tumultous years of the 1950s and early 1960s as Singapore first struggled for independence from the British till it gained full independence in 1965. Singapore politics was fiercely fought, over different visions of the colony’s future. In 1959, Singapore gained internal self-government, one big step towards independence. For those born in the 1950s, these were indelible, formative experiences that shaped them for life. Although they were too young to take part in the events of those years, most were old enough to sense the electricity in the air, to share the excitement of the changes, to feel the hope of a brighter tomorrow. They heard the rallying cry of Merdeka: Liberation, freedom, independence. One word that expressed the determination and passion, the ambitions and aspirations, of a people who were roused and on the march… They accepted hardships, made sacrifices, answered the call of duty, and worked with their leaders to build a better tomorrow”.

After giving the rousing speech, Prime Minister said in return for their suffering, he will deposit S$100 in their CPF Medisave first and announced a “Merdeka Generation Package”.

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National Day Rally 2018: 8 things you need to know from PM Lee's speech

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's speech highlighted challenges faced by Singapore at home and abroad such as trade tensions, cost of living pressures, and in healthcare and housing. ST FOTO: GAVIN FOO

PM Lee Hsien Loong, in his National Day Rally address on Sunday (Aug 19), highlighted challenges faced by Singapore at home & abroad such as trade tensions, cost of living pressures, and in healthcare & housing.

He elaborated on how the Government will provide support for Singaporeans in areas like healthcare and public housing, & how Singaporeans can work with the Government to anticipate the country's needs and opportunities in the long-term future.

Here are eight key takeaways from his speech:

NEW SCHEME TO ADDRESS WORRIES ABOUT AGEING FLATS
MORE HOME OWNERS GET HELP TO UPGRADE FLATS
MERDEKA GENERATION PACKAGE
HEALTHCARE SUBSIDIES FOR ALL SINGAPOREANS WITH CHRONIC CONDITIONS
OVERCOMING GLOBAL CHALLENGES
RELATIONS WITH MALAYSIA
COST OF LIVING PRESSURES
HAWKER CULTURE'S UNESCO BID

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NDR 2018: The 8 things you need to know

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled plans to upgrade and redevelop Singapore’s public housing, and measures to help Singaporeans manage healthcare costs in the National Day Rally on Sunday evening (Aug 19).

In addition to addressing the cost of living, Mr Lee devoted a large part of his speech to housing concerns and revealed two major schemes to renew Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats.

He also announced major changes to healthcare financing: A new healthcare subsidy package for Singaporeans born in the 1950s and the expansion of the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS).

Here are 8 key takeaways from the rally:

VOLUNTARY EARLY REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME
HOME IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME
MERDEKA GENERATION PACKAGE
MORE HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
MORE POLYCLINICS
GEYLANG SERAI
COST OF LIVING
HAWKER CULTURE

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PM Lee’s Malay 2018 National Day Rally speech in 60 seconds

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong just delivered his annual National Day Rally in Malay at the ITE College Central, Ang Mo Kio, on Aug. 19, 2018.

Wearing a turquoise shirt that blended in the darker blue background this year, he made three key points, or “3Ms”, referring to Muis, Mendaki and Mesra, during his address to the Malay Muslim community. PM Lee said that the “3Ms” are important institutions that have long strengthened the Malay Muslim community.

He is confident that they will be even more effective in fulfilling the needs and aspirations of Malays in future:

Mesra’s role in organising events and activities for Malay community
Muis plays an important role in providing religious guidance
Mendaki’s role in uplifting the community

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PM Lee’s National Day Rally 2018 summarised into 14 things

If you didn’t watch the National Day Rally earlier today, we took the liberty to watch the entire 75 minutes of it and picked out the important parts for you. You’re welcome:

Trump-Kim summit
The all-around negative effects of the US trade wars
More differences now but ultimately, still the same with Malaysia
Cost of living
CHAS extended to Singaporeans with chronic conditions, regardless of income
More polyclinics and medical centres in the heartlands by 2023
Bad news: You won’t stay forever young. Good news: CareShield Life’s got you covered
Born between 1950 to 1959? Then you’re eligible for a new package, because Merdeka
It’s difficult to please everybody, but housing policies have been successful
99 years is a fair number actually because it’s how Singapore retains land to build housing
HIP to be extended to public housings built up to 1997
HDB upgrades in 30 to 40 years called HIP II
Selective en Bloc Redevelopment Scheme is mostly aimed at rejuvenating estates deemed to have high development value
Earlier en blocs by 20 to 30 years, only if residents vote for it

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In N-Day speech, Singapore leader warns of ‘sacrosanct’ water deal

Lee Hsien Loong says Singapore entered into the HSR project in good faith. (Reuters pic)

SINGAPORE: Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong today reached out to the Pakatan Harapan government, saying he hoped to improve bilateral ties even as the new administration was bent on reviewing several projects as well as the price of water sold to the city-state.

“The water agreement is sacrosanct. We must proceed strictly in accordance with its terms.” Lee said in his National Day Rally address delivered in three languages – Malay, Mandarin and English.

Dr Mahathir Mohamad had called for a review of a 1962 agreement for the sale of raw water to Singapore. The prime minister said the rate was outdated and should be increased by at least ten times. Lee also reminded Malaysia of the existence of legally binding agreements on the High-Speed Rail (HSR) linking both countries, and the Rail Transit System which plans to link to Johor.

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Water deal with Malaysia 'sacrosanct', says Singapore PM

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (right) takes a photo during the National Day parade at The Float in Singapore, on August 9, 2018. Singapore celebrates National Day on August 9 each year to mark its separation from the Federation of Malaysia in 1965. – EPA pic, August 20, 2018

WHILE Singapore appreciates the new Malaysia government’s reasons to review and change various policies of the previous administration, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made it clear yesterday that both countries have to adhere to agreed terms in the water deal and the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail (HSR) project.

Both issues have been sticking points in recent months, with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad repeatedly saying that his country is selling water to Singapore at too low a price, and most recently, suggesting that it should be raised by at least 10 times.

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Singapore to address challenges in public housing, health care

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said on Sunday that his government would provide further support for the people in public housing and health care.

Lee delivered his National Day Rally speech respectively in Mandarin, Malaysian and English after Singapore's National Day which falls on Aug. 9.

When the country celebrated its 53th birthday this year, it has witnessed that around 80 percent of the Singaporeans live in the government's Housing and Development Board (HDB)-developed flats.

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Yahoo Poll: What was the best announcement from PM Lee's National Day Rally speech?

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong gave his National Day Rally speech on Sunday evening (19 August)

Among other things, Lee tackled the issues of 99-year lease of HDB flats, flat upgrading and older estate redevelopment, unveiled a “Merdeka Generation Package” for those born in the 1950s, and touched on the water agreement with Malaysia.

In addition, on healthcare, the prime minister said the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) would be extended to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions regardless of income. He also said that the government has nominated hawker culture for UNESCO listing.

What was the announcement that most resonated with you?

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Poll shows 44% don’t resonate with any of PM Lee’s announcements at NDR

As at 7pm today (21 Aug), 2,940 people have voted. The poll shows that majority of the people (44%) seemed to have another opinion of his speech and didn't think much of his following announcements

After Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong made his speech at the National Day Rally on Sunday (19 Aug), Yahoo! News decided to put up a poll yesterday (20 Aug) to try find out from Singaporeans what was the best announcement coming from PM Lee's rally speech.

Among other things, PM tackled the issues of 99-year lease of HDB flats, flat upgrading and older estate redevelopment, unveiled a "Merdeka Generation Package" for those born in the 1950s, and touched on the water agreement with Malaysia.

In addition, on healthcare, PM also extended the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS) to all Singaporeans with chronic conditions regardless of income.

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Even hardcore PAP supporter Calvin Cheng disappointed with PM Lee’s NDR speech

In a surprising turnaround, ex-Nominated Member of Parliament as well as ex-Young PAP member Calvin Cheng posted a Facebook message yesterday (20 Aug) criticising PM Lee's speech made at the National Day Rally on Sunday (19 Aug).

In his posting, Mr Cheng is of the view that the present Government does not have the moral authority to tell Singaporeans to be frugal and spend within their means.

He compared the present generation of PAP politicians who have million dollar salary vs the old guards led by founding PM Lee Kuan Yew, who was known to be frugal.

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Calvin Cheng 20 August at 04:11

To be honest, I don’t think this Government has the moral authority to tell people to be frugal and spend within their means. Unlike LKY.

They are too young, and also too wealthy (LKY was famously frugal and walked the talk).

If Ah Gong or Father tells you to use WiFi not 4G and save money, you probably will nod your head and say ok even if u not happy.

If your rich brother tells you the same thing, you will probably tell him to go fly a kite.

Which is what’s happening.

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The Underlying Message of National Day Rally 2018: Expect Taxes and Living Costs to Increase

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled a slew of new measures during todays’ National Day Rally 2018: CHAS expansion, the Merdeka Generation Package, a second round of the Home Improvement Programme (HIP II), and VERS – where the government will buy back older HDB flats at a yet-to-be-determined fee.

Considering that public monies are required to fund all these initiatives, the next logical question is – where is all the money going to come from? Recall the S$9 billion Pioneer Generation Package which was launched in 2014 offering senior citizens Medisave top-ups and subsidies for their healthcare spending. In 2018 alone, the government says that the Medisave top-up component alone will cost taxpayers S$180 million. A similar sum was spent in 2017. Also recall that since 2015, the government has consistently raised taxes and fees across a range of basic public goods and services, resulting in escalating cost of living.

It will be a tedious exercise to go into the details of all the increases (and their ripple effects on overall cost of living), but let’s use some of the most prominent examples so far:

water price increase of up to 30 percent
S&CC hike of up to 30 percent
petrol tax hike of 40 percent
ERP prices raised by up to 100 percent, more ERP gantries erected
carbon tax, which will raise costs for households and businesses
e-commerce tax once the government makes up its mind about pricing structure and victims
GST increase to 9 percent once the government decides on an optimum time